The summer island of Sweden, Öland is the island of sun and wind home to long sandy beaches, rocky shorelines, open agricultural landscapes, and pine forests great for outdoor activities. The island of lighthouses and windmills, Öland has also fascinating galleries and historical sights to explore, such as the Borgholm Castle.
Culture & entertainment. Every autumn in September there is a harvest festival on Oland where farmers gather to sell their products. At the same time the Night of Art (Konstnatten) is held on the island. What comes to shopping on Öland, the small island is not an actual shopping destination. However, those interested in art and crafts will find many small galleries and studios here with first class local art.
Nature attractions & activities. The agricultural landscape of Southern Öland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The picturesque landscape is home to rare flora and fauna and there are some marks from prehistoric times. Oland is also home to old lighthouses, windmills and beautiful long sandy beaches, such as Böda. The beaches on Öland attract especially families with children and are great for swimming and water sports in summer. In the Böda Ekopark you can wander through pine forests and sandy pine moorlands and admire countless orchids and birds. The unique nature and the cultural settings are best explored by biking on Öland. You can also play golf on Öland's seven golf courses.
Beaches, open landscapes, historical sites and outdoor activities on Öland
Öland is the second largest island of Sweden after Gotland. One of the smallest cities in Sweden, Borgholm is the main city of Öland. Built in the 17th century, the ruins of the Borgholm Castle are located in the town. Wandering along the streets of Borgholm and admiring the charming villas is an experience. Solliden Palace, the summer residence of the Swedish Royal Family is located near Borgholm. Other small towns and villages on Oland include Gettlinge, Färjestaden, Alby, Mörbylånga, and Eriksöre.Culture & entertainment. Every autumn in September there is a harvest festival on Oland where farmers gather to sell their products. At the same time the Night of Art (Konstnatten) is held on the island. What comes to shopping on Öland, the small island is not an actual shopping destination. However, those interested in art and crafts will find many small galleries and studios here with first class local art.
Nature attractions & activities. The agricultural landscape of Southern Öland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The picturesque landscape is home to rare flora and fauna and there are some marks from prehistoric times. Oland is also home to old lighthouses, windmills and beautiful long sandy beaches, such as Böda. The beaches on Öland attract especially families with children and are great for swimming and water sports in summer. In the Böda Ekopark you can wander through pine forests and sandy pine moorlands and admire countless orchids and birds. The unique nature and the cultural settings are best explored by biking on Öland. You can also play golf on Öland's seven golf courses.
Practical information for your trip to Öland, the island of sun and wind
Öland has a variable climate with four distinct seasons.
Photo: stefan.sundkvist, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)
Summers in Oland are usually warm and sunny, while winters are cold with some snow. The best time to visit the island is from May to September.
Visitor services. There are plenty of seaside cottages, small hotels and large hotels on Öland to suit every taste and budget. In the small restaurants on Öland you can taste fresh local food, such as smoked fish, wild berries, and mushrooms. There is no actual nightlife on Öland except the small local bars and cafes. Öland is a safe family destination where nothing disturbs your peace.
How to get there. Oland is located in Baltic Sea just off the coast of mainland Sweden. The newly renovated Ölandsbron Bridge connects the island to the mainland. The bridge provides breathtaking views over the sea and the landscape of Öland. You can travel to Öland by car or bus over the Ölandsbron bridge. The small island is only 137 long and 16 km wide and easily toured by your own car. Therefore, car rental on Öland is a very good option.
